Local author and community identity Rev Dr Richard Waugh has launched his latest book.
This time it is not an aviation book or on New Zealand social history, but about Methodist/Wesleyan church history and theology.
‘Renew Your Wesleyan DNA’ tells the story of how John Wesley is one of the most influential church leaders since apostolic times, says Dr Waugh.
“His global family of churches has grown around the world and ministers in over 160 countries and influences about 100 million people.
“It bears different names, including Methodist, holiness, Nazarene and Wesleyan. Wesley also influences Pentecostalism and the Salvation Army.”
The first Wesleyan Methodist opened in Howick in 1852 and Pakuranga in 1866. The original chapel built in Picton Street has for many years been restored and preserved in the Howick Historical Village and is still used for special occasions such as weddings. Today there are six churches in east Auckland that are part of the John Wesley family of churches including the church where Dr Waugh is senior minister, East City Wesleyan Church in Botany.
“I set out to write an accessible book for laypeople about Wesleyan theology and Methodist history. My book identified essential Wesleyan DNA and has useful discussion questions and practical resources for local church life,” says Dr Waugh.
“I am hoping it will be especially useful for our local Methodist/Wesleyan/Salvation Army churches here in east Auckland.”
Dr Waugh is also the president of the World Methodist Historical Society and his book has been endorsed by key leaders of global Methodism, including a foreword by Bishop Ivan Abrahams, General Secretary, World Methodist Council.
Copies are available from ECW office – office@ecw.org.nz
